TV3's Vincent Browne accuses SIPTU boss of 'stunt' after he walks off show live on air

SIPTU boss Jack O'Connor on TV3's 'Tonight With Vincent Browne'. In this picture, he is seen walking off the set. Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger and journalist Eamon Delaney are also part of the panel Pic: TV3

SIPTU boss Jack O'Connor on TV3's 'Tonight With Vincent Browne'. Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger and journalist Eamon Delaney are also part of the panel Pic: TV3

SIPTU boss Jack O'Connor on TV3's 'Tonight With Vincent Browne'. Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger and journalist Eamon Delaney are also part of the panel Pic: TV3

SIPTU boss Jack O'Connor on TV3's 'Tonight With Vincent Browne'. Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger and journalist Eamon Delaney are also part of the panel Pic: TV3

SIPTU boss Jack O'Connor on TV3's 'Tonight With Vincent Browne'. In this picture he is seen walking off the set. Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger and journalist Eamon Delaney are also part of the panel Pic: TV3

TV3 broadcaster Vincent Browne accused SIPTU boss Jack O'Connor of creating an opportunity for a "stroke" after he walked off set during his late night programme.

The union general secretary walked off the set last night during a live television discussion of the Dunnes Stores strike.

The discussion between the pair - Socialist Party TD Ruth Coppinger and journalist Eamon Delaney were part of the panel - became more heated when Mr O'Connor alleged TV3 management refuses to recognise their employees' rights to "collective bargaining".

He also appeared to take exception to the broadcaster when he questioned him about his support for the Labour Party.

At this stage, Mr O'Connor began to remove his microphone.

He then appeared to put it back on as a TV3 production assistant came to his aid and tried to attach it back to his tie.